KINGSTON -- In an abrupt turnaround, Michael Treanor will return as CEO of the Nevele casino and resort project after previously stepping down over revelations of a 2007 assault conviction.

David Runciman, director of the Nevele's owner Claremont Partners, announced that Treanor has been asked to resume his role as CEO of the Nevele.

Treanor stepped aside following media reports and calls from local legislators to step aside in the wake of stories in the New York Post. That paper reported that Treanor plead guilty to a third-degree misdemeanor assault involving his sister.

Treanor will resume day-to-day operations of the entity that is seeking a gaming license for the Nevele.

The announcement comes at the completion of an internal review of the matter, according to the Nevele's public relation outfit, The Marino Organization.

“It’s old news," said Runciman. "Nonetheless, we thought it prudent to ask Michael to step aside while the facts were re-examined."

“Having completed a review, we have concluded, as have regulators in the past, that Michael’s character and fitness are unimpeachable, and that certain recent articles were part of a smear campaign targeting Ulster County’s Nevele project. Michael has been a tireless advocate for Ellenville and we have asked him to continue in his role.”